October 31, 2011

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Herman Cain, who has received more airtime from Fox News than any of the other candidates in recent months, gives Fox the first interview responding to POLITICO’s report of allegations that two women accused him of sexual harassment.

Fox News’s Jenna Lee welcomed Cain back to the program, saying he was “here to set the record straight.”

Lee: Let's start with the truth. That's always the best place to start. What is the truth about these allegations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct? Have you ever been accused at any time of either?

Cain: Yes. I have never sexually harassed anyone, let's say that. Secondly, I've never sexually harassed anyone, and yes, I was falsely accused while I was at the national restaurant association, and I say falsely, because it turned out, after the investigation, to be baseless. The people mentioned in that article were the ones who would be aware of any misdoings, and they have attested to my integrity and my character. It is totally baseless, and totally false, never have I committed any sort of sexual harassment.

Lee: Have you ever had to settle a claim, falsely accused or not? Sometimes a settlement happens when a false accusation is made. Have you ever had to settle a claim, giving money, or paid someone because a claim of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct?

Cain: Outside of the restaurant association, absolutely not. If the restaurant association did a settlement , I am not -- I wasn't even aware of it and I hope it wasn't for much, because nothing happened. So if there was a settlement, it was handled by some of the other officers that worked for me at the association. So the answer is absolutely not.

Lee: Herman, so just to be clear, you have never sexually harassed anyone, but yes, you believe you have been falsely accused of sexual harassment?

Cain: Correct.

Cain also suggested that there is an "exclusive interview" in the works with his wife, Gloria, who so far hasn't shown up on the campaign trail.

Posted by Keach Hagey 11:41 AM

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